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E.S. Gerken, R.A.M. Walterbos (NMSU), M.S. Oey (Lowell Observatory)
We are conducting a global investigation of HII regions and their influence on the diffuse interstellar gas in the Large Magellanic Cloud. We use UBVR survey data, UIT data, and the latest stellar ionization models to compare the predicted Lyman continuum emission for numerous HII regions with that derived from their observed H-alpha flux. For each HII region we identify the massive stars within the ionized gas boundaries. We base predicted ionizing fluxes for the massive stars on spectral types whenever possible; however, only a small percentage of the stars in the UBVR catalog have been observed spectroscopically. The additional spectral types necessary can be estimated using the broadband photometry. We present preliminary results regarding the degree to which HII regions appear to be leaking ionizing flux and whether they are a likely source for the ionization of the diffuse gas in the LMC. Support for this work was provided by NASA through the Astrophysics Data Program, grant number NAG5-10768.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 35#5
© 2003. The American Astronomical Soceity.